1
LOUISIANA ARBORIST EXAM LATEST VERSION -2025/2026-
100+ QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED ANSWERS ALL THE BEST
How will pruning a tree at time of transplanting affect tree growth?
It decreases root growth. You should avoid pruning except for broken or damaged
limbs.
Name five methods used to apply fertilization to trees.
Broadcasting, drill hole, injection, foliar application, and implants
Are wound dressings or paint recommended after making pruning cuts? Why?
No, studies show it does no good.
Are there advantages of pruning a tree at planting time?
No
Discuss the differences between "flush cuts" and proper cuts made to outer
portions of branch collar. How do "flush cuts" affect growth?
A proper cut leaves the branch bark ridge, branch collar, and swollen collar in tact.
It enables the cut to close in a circular fashion. Flush cuts remove it and opens the
tree to decay by removing dead wood which branch defense zones form.
Explain thinning cut and describe how they will affect the tree.
It is removing the branch back to the lateral branch, large enough to assume
terminal role. It opens the tree, reduces weight, reduces height, and retains its
shape.
Discuss Shingo's theory of walling off infections in trees called CODIT
(Compartmentalization of Decay in Trees).
1) Trees are highly compartmentalized.
2) If the tree is wounded, it will heal itself by walling itself off from injury.
, 2
What is the major objective in crown cleaning?
It removes dead, diseased, and dying crowded or wealdy attached limbs from the
crown. the objective is to correct small growth problems before they get big
growth problems.
What is the purpose of crown restoration?
Improves structure and appearance of improperly pruned or storm-damaged trees
by encouraging new growth.
List 3 ways cavities are started in trees.
Insects, lightning, and wounds.
What is the definition of a tree?
A woody perennial with one or several trunks which grow higher than 12-15 ft in
height.
List five species of trees to plant under a power line.
Crape myrtle, chaste tree, red bud, silver bell, dogwood.
If you want to fertilize a tree by broadcasting 4 lbs. of actual nitrogen and want to
use 16-4-8 fertilizer, how often would you apply it over 1000 sq. ft. in one year?
1 lb. of Nitrogen / .16 (N in fertilizer) = 6.25 lbs per 1,000 ft.
6.25 lbs of Fertilizer x 4 lbs of N = 25 lbs of Fertilizer annually.
6.25 lbs. of 16-4-8 fertilizer should be applied 4 times a year.
List the most important pieces of safety equipment when using a chainsaw.
Safety glasses, earplugs, face shield, hard hat, leg protection, and boots.
List the major parts of a tree and their function.
Leaves - photosynthesis, transpiration.
Trunk/Stems - conduct, support, storage.
, 3
Roots - anchorage, absorbing, storage, conduction.
Flowers - reproduction.
Fruit-ripened seed, pistil
What is the most critical time after transplanting a tree and why?
The 1st year to focus on root establishment.
What are the benefits of mulching a young tree?
To conserve moisture, reduce competition from weeds and grass, improve soil
structure, and aesthetic value.
List 3 benefits of mulch.
1) Retains moisture.
2) Reduces weeds.
3) Insulates roots.
Why is the use of spurs prohibited on living trees?
It causes wounds and damages the tree.
What is chlorosis in a tree and how is it treated?
The yellowing of leaves can be treated with Manganese.
Why is it recommended to use a block when lowering a heavy limb?
To carry the load and reduce injury to a crotch from a climber's line.
Describe how to cut down a large limb.
Place the rigging point above the work, tie the limb at the butt, then cut and lower
the limb to the ground.
What other activities can a climbing rope be used for?
To secure a climber to the tree for use of 2-hands, to swing, and for rescue.
Distinguish between narrow and wide crotch angles. Could either harm the tree?
, 4
Crotch angles are where branches fork, or where a main limb joins the trunk.
Narrow Crotch angles (Tight) are where the angle between two branches is too
narrow (less than 45 degrees). they can lead to structure weaknesses and tree
failure
Wide Crotch angles (Strong) are where the angle between the two branches 45
degrees or more.
Describe Xylem and Phloem, and their function.
Plants have tissues to transport water, nutrients and minerals.
Xylem transports water and mineral salts from the roots up to other parts of the
plant.
Phloem transports sucrose and amino acids from the leaves and other parts of the
plant.
Is a contract required between an LA licensed arborist before tree work is
performed?
Yes
What state and federal licenses are required before an arborist applies pesticides?
State commissioned pesticide applicators license. Federal in accordance with all
federal regulations, may apply pesticides for the purpose of retarding decay or
disease.
What is soil pH and does it affect nutrient availability of a tree?
The acidity or alkalinity of the soil. Trees may exhibit nutrient deficiency or toxicity
symptoms from unbalanced soil pH levels.
LOUISIANA ARBORIST EXAM LATEST VERSION -2025/2026-
100+ QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED ANSWERS ALL THE BEST
How will pruning a tree at time of transplanting affect tree growth?
It decreases root growth. You should avoid pruning except for broken or damaged
limbs.
Name five methods used to apply fertilization to trees.
Broadcasting, drill hole, injection, foliar application, and implants
Are wound dressings or paint recommended after making pruning cuts? Why?
No, studies show it does no good.
Are there advantages of pruning a tree at planting time?
No
Discuss the differences between "flush cuts" and proper cuts made to outer
portions of branch collar. How do "flush cuts" affect growth?
A proper cut leaves the branch bark ridge, branch collar, and swollen collar in tact.
It enables the cut to close in a circular fashion. Flush cuts remove it and opens the
tree to decay by removing dead wood which branch defense zones form.
Explain thinning cut and describe how they will affect the tree.
It is removing the branch back to the lateral branch, large enough to assume
terminal role. It opens the tree, reduces weight, reduces height, and retains its
shape.
Discuss Shingo's theory of walling off infections in trees called CODIT
(Compartmentalization of Decay in Trees).
1) Trees are highly compartmentalized.
2) If the tree is wounded, it will heal itself by walling itself off from injury.
, 2
What is the major objective in crown cleaning?
It removes dead, diseased, and dying crowded or wealdy attached limbs from the
crown. the objective is to correct small growth problems before they get big
growth problems.
What is the purpose of crown restoration?
Improves structure and appearance of improperly pruned or storm-damaged trees
by encouraging new growth.
List 3 ways cavities are started in trees.
Insects, lightning, and wounds.
What is the definition of a tree?
A woody perennial with one or several trunks which grow higher than 12-15 ft in
height.
List five species of trees to plant under a power line.
Crape myrtle, chaste tree, red bud, silver bell, dogwood.
If you want to fertilize a tree by broadcasting 4 lbs. of actual nitrogen and want to
use 16-4-8 fertilizer, how often would you apply it over 1000 sq. ft. in one year?
1 lb. of Nitrogen / .16 (N in fertilizer) = 6.25 lbs per 1,000 ft.
6.25 lbs of Fertilizer x 4 lbs of N = 25 lbs of Fertilizer annually.
6.25 lbs. of 16-4-8 fertilizer should be applied 4 times a year.
List the most important pieces of safety equipment when using a chainsaw.
Safety glasses, earplugs, face shield, hard hat, leg protection, and boots.
List the major parts of a tree and their function.
Leaves - photosynthesis, transpiration.
Trunk/Stems - conduct, support, storage.
, 3
Roots - anchorage, absorbing, storage, conduction.
Flowers - reproduction.
Fruit-ripened seed, pistil
What is the most critical time after transplanting a tree and why?
The 1st year to focus on root establishment.
What are the benefits of mulching a young tree?
To conserve moisture, reduce competition from weeds and grass, improve soil
structure, and aesthetic value.
List 3 benefits of mulch.
1) Retains moisture.
2) Reduces weeds.
3) Insulates roots.
Why is the use of spurs prohibited on living trees?
It causes wounds and damages the tree.
What is chlorosis in a tree and how is it treated?
The yellowing of leaves can be treated with Manganese.
Why is it recommended to use a block when lowering a heavy limb?
To carry the load and reduce injury to a crotch from a climber's line.
Describe how to cut down a large limb.
Place the rigging point above the work, tie the limb at the butt, then cut and lower
the limb to the ground.
What other activities can a climbing rope be used for?
To secure a climber to the tree for use of 2-hands, to swing, and for rescue.
Distinguish between narrow and wide crotch angles. Could either harm the tree?
, 4
Crotch angles are where branches fork, or where a main limb joins the trunk.
Narrow Crotch angles (Tight) are where the angle between two branches is too
narrow (less than 45 degrees). they can lead to structure weaknesses and tree
failure
Wide Crotch angles (Strong) are where the angle between the two branches 45
degrees or more.
Describe Xylem and Phloem, and their function.
Plants have tissues to transport water, nutrients and minerals.
Xylem transports water and mineral salts from the roots up to other parts of the
plant.
Phloem transports sucrose and amino acids from the leaves and other parts of the
plant.
Is a contract required between an LA licensed arborist before tree work is
performed?
Yes
What state and federal licenses are required before an arborist applies pesticides?
State commissioned pesticide applicators license. Federal in accordance with all
federal regulations, may apply pesticides for the purpose of retarding decay or
disease.
What is soil pH and does it affect nutrient availability of a tree?
The acidity or alkalinity of the soil. Trees may exhibit nutrient deficiency or toxicity
symptoms from unbalanced soil pH levels.
